Sarah Sweeney

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A Short Autobiography

I can trace my interest in the news and in broadcast media to a challenge that I faced very early in my life. When I was only five years old, my mother and I were kidnapped in a taxi in the violent streets of Bogota, Colombia. Our kidnapper jammed his revolver against my head and swore to shoot me if we tried to escape. I owe my life to my Mama, whose courage and intelligence saved our lives and got us out of Colombia and away from its corrupt government and infamous drug lord, Pablo Escobar.

Even after we were safely removed from it, the violence and injustice of life in Colombia were never far from our thoughts as we worried about the family we left behind there. I’d rush home after school and tune to the world news where I’d witness bombings eating away at my country. Wide-eyed, I would sit inches away from the screen, where I’d quickly scan through crowds of people, many of them injured and bleeding to see if any of the victims had been my beloved “Abuelita,” my grandmother.

News fascinated me. It was a bridge between my new life and my old one. I was amazed that I could watch the war in my country without being in danger myself. There was something mystical and, enigmatic about television that I wanted to understand and that fascination and appreciation has stayed with me.

Cover letter

I am a Baylor University graduate with experience in broadcast and a passion for news. It is my hope that my enthusiasm, proven interpersonal skills and "get it done" attitude will spark your interest in my candidacy.

At ABC News I helped produce 20/20, Primetime, and Nightline segments, where I wrote stories, shot footage, directed camera crews, assisted with lighting and set design amongst other tasks. My name has been featured on the roll credits of 20/20 specials, "Drama High" and "Made in America." I also interned at MTV Tr3s where I helped produce "Mi TRL," which taught me the mechanics and exigencies behind live tapings, so pertinent to working in a live newsroom. My goal is to continue building on the skills I have acquired at ABC, MTV, Discovery Channel, The Travel Channel and PBS. I see a future in web/TV convergence and have, thus, prepared myself by gaining experience in writing, filming, editing on NLE and exporting for the web.

I am fluent in Spanish, which is my native tongue, as well as French. The prevalent Hispanic population in San Antonio might offer opportunities to use my fluency in Spanish both on the job and in the community.

It would be an honor for me to continue my career as a member of your company's highly reputable team. I assure you that I would strive to maintain the network's commitment to professionalism and a devotion to outstanding achievement. I am ready to work under pressure and take on any task in the fast-paced world of news.

I hope to have an opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you to see how they may fit the needs of your organization. If it is more convenient for you, please call me at 210-827-5202, and I will be happy to discuss any questions you may have. Thank you for your time and consideration. Respectfully,

Sarah C. Sweeney

Objective

Multimedia Journalist fluent in English, Spanish, and French. I am ready to work under pressure, exceed expectations and take on any task in the fast-paced world of news. I own my own Sony PMW EX-1 HD camera with lights, microphone and editing software.